President William Ruto……Photo/IP
ALEX WEKESA
When William Ruto was elected President in 2022, many Kenyans were hopeful.
His campaign promised to ease the cost of living and transform the lives of ordinary citizens through reforms in healthcare, education, agriculture, energy, housing and job creation.
Nearly four years later, many citizens are asking a simple question: Have those promises made a difference in their daily lives?
Healthcare is one area where expectations were high.
The government replaced the National Health Insurance Fund with the Social Health Authority (SHA), saying it would make quality healthcare more affordable and accessible.
But for many Kenyans, the transition has been anything but smooth. Some complain of higher monthly contributions, delays in accessing treatment and uncertainty over how the new system works.
While the government insists the reforms will bear fruit in the long run, many families say they are yet to feel the promised relief.
Education is another sector where expectations remain unmet for many parents. President Ruto pledged to review the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), raising hopes that the burden on families would reduce.
Instead, many low-income households say they continue struggling to meet school-related costs, leaving them wondering whether the promised changes have truly addressed their concerns.
The high cost of fuel continues to weigh heavily on households and businesses. Every increase at the pump is quickly reflected in transport fares and the prices of basic goods.
Farmers also say that despite government subsidy programmes, fertiliser, seeds and other farm inputs remain expensive, reducing profits and making food production more difficult.
On affordable housing, opinions are more divided.
Some Kenyans acknowledge that the project was part of President Ruto’s manifesto and agree that decent housing is an important national goal.
However, many believe the government should first focus on pressing issues such as improving roads, strengthening healthcare services, creating jobs and investing more in education before committing significant resources to housing projects.
Perhaps the loudest concern comes from young people searching for employment.
Thousands graduate every year with the skills and qualifications needed to contribute to the economy, yet many remain unemployed.
Some argue that not enough industries have been established since 2022 to create meaningful job opportunities, leaving many talented young Kenyans frustrated and uncertain about their future.
As Kenya moves closer to the 2027 General Election, these conversations are becoming more common in homes, markets and public gatherings.
For many voters, the election may not be decided by campaign promises alone, but by whether they have seen real improvements in their everyday lives.
Ultimately, it is the electorate that will judge whether the Kenya Kwanza administration has delivered enough to deserve another term in office.
Ends.
